How to start a business Graphic Design

The decision to go from worker bee to your boss is often very scary. Most new entrepreneurs in this field, as they begin to do the work "freelance" on nights and weekends. This is almost always the first step to test the waters and see if you can truly be your own boss. The transition from night to freelance full design entrepreneur can be a transition afraid, but it is a necessary step to become a success.

Not all designers have what it takes to make your own. If you start your own business because you want to escape responsibility, you should seriously reconsider this decision. The world of entrepreneurship, while the free and glamor of spectators, is often filled with long days and often uncomfortable task.

When you start on your own, be responsible for sales, dealing with customers, accounting, billing, and a host of other tasks. If you prefer to design and do not have direct contact with customers, will be better suited to working for someone else. On the other hand, if you are driven and motivated to make your business work at all costs, the business community will be a good fit for you.

Here are some tips that will make your transition from "in-house designer" to "entrepreneur" as painless as possible.

# 1 Business Name

Choose a stage name for you business. The key here is to make us look bigger than you are. Even if you are working from a cramped desk in your bedroom, you want to create the illusion of being a great company. Customers want to work with established companies and often there is a stigma that is associated with home based businesses.

# 2 Marketing Materials

Are you a designer, so the first impression you leave with potential customers is to have a big impact on the success or failure. Be sure to design professional business cards and have them professionally produced.

# 3 Start Networking

Sign-business networking organizations in your community. You can meet and get to know other business people who can be a great source of potential business referrals. Most of the designer, and the majority of people for that matter, are not comfortable with cold calling. Although sometimes necessary, a good amount of cold calling can be replaced by good old sales ratio based or word of mouth marketing. So get out there, network, form relationships, and watch your business grow.

# 4 Competitive Price

Be sure to start with a fair pricing structure. Most of the designers of departure on their rate are well below their competitors. Be confident and know what your services are worth. Other search firms in your market and price accordingly. You should be charging anywhere between 50 and 100 dollars an hour, depending on the market. If you charge less than $ 50 an hour, your company will be doomed to fail from the start.

# 5 get a website

Most of your potential customers and reference partners are going to want to see samples of your work. A business website is the easiest way to show off your portfolio. Unless you are a web designer, do not invest in a quality design that will give you a professional image on the web. Once you have a professional web site, go ahead with a marketing campaign on the Internet. Working on the SEO of your site (Search Engine Optimization) and set up a pay per click campaign. If you are not familiar with this type of marketing, hiring a marketing consultant on the internet.

# 6 Get Paid

Most design companies charge an initial deposit before any work is completed. Adhering to this practice by charging customers a 50% before taking a project. This will weed out customers who could not pay and will ensure that your valuable time is spent on work that will be paid.

These are some tips to consider when starting on your own as a professional graphic designer. The road to entrepreneurship can be difficult, but will offer many rewards. If you work toward your goals with diligence, you're on your way to success .......